Absorbent articles with elastics in multiple layers

ABSTRACT

Absorbent articles that include elastics in multiple layers are disclosed herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional applicationSer. No. 15/159,142, filed May 19, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/681,140, filed Apr. 8, 2015,which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No.13/893,889, filed May 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/646,999, filed May 15, 2012, theentirety of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to absorbentarticles that are disposable and wearable. In particular, embodiments ofthe present disclosure relate to disposable wearable absorbent articleswith elastics in multiple layers.

BACKGROUND

Disposable wearable absorbent articles include disposable diapers anddisposable incontinence undergarments (e.g., adult incontinenceproducts). A disposable wearable absorbent article can receive andcontain bodily waste while being worn by a wearer. Such articles can bemade with various materials in a number of configurations. The design ofa disposable wearable absorbent article can affect the way that thearticle performs while it is being worn.

Elastic materials can be configured as various elastic structures indisposable wearable absorbent articles. These elastic structures canfunction in different ways to provide various benefits to the wearer.For example, lower force elastics or elastics that are spaced apart canbe configured as shaping elastics. Shaping elastics can assist inproviding a conforming fit and distributing contact forces over thewearer's skin. As another example, higher force elastics or elasticsthat are grouped closer together can be configured as anchoringelastics. Anchoring elastics can assist in holding the article in placeon the wearer by transferring loads from the article to particular partsof the wearer's body.

Unfortunately, when a disposable wearable absorbent article includesdifferent elastic structures, those structures may not work welltogether. For example, if a disposable wearable absorbent articleincludes both shaping elastics and anchoring elastics, and thosedifferent elastic structures are not allowed to act somewhatindependently from each other, then their functions may be compromised.If the anchoring elastics transfer excessive loads to the regioncomprising the shaping elastics, they may concentrate forces against thewearer's skin, causing discomfort and red marking. If the shapingelastics compromise the loads created by the anchoring elastics, thenthe anchoring elastics may not effectively transfer loads to intendedparts of the wearer's body, potentially allowing the article to sag. Ifa disposable wearable absorbent article includes elastic structures thatdo not work well together, then the article may feel uncomfortable, lookunattractive, and perform poorly while it is worn by a wearer.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an absorbent article has a center chassis including atopsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent articleincludes a front waist region and a front waist edge, a front inner beltportion disposed in the front waist region, a front outer belt portiondisposed in the front waist region, a first plurality of elasticsdisposed in the front inner belt portion and inward of the front outerbelt portion, and a second plurality of elastics disposed in the frontouter belt portion and outward of the front inner belt portion, whereinat least a portion of at least one of the first and second pluralitiesof elastics comprise anchoring elastics, at least a portion of at leastone of the first and second pluralities of elastics comprise shapingelastics, and the absorbent article is disposable and wearable.

In another aspect, an absorbent article has a center chassis including atopsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent articleincludes a back waist region and a back waist edge, a back inner beltportion disposed in the back waist region, a back outer belt portiondisposed in the back waist region, a first plurality of elasticsdisposed in the back inner belt portion and inward of the back outerbelt portion, and a second plurality of elastics disposed in the backouter belt portion and outward of the back inner belt portion, whereinat least a portion of at least one of the first and second pluralitiesof elastics comprise anchoring elastics, at least a portion of at leastone of the first and second pluralities of elastics comprise shapingelastics, and the absorbent article is disposable and wearable.

In yet another aspect, an absorbent article has a center chassisincluding a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbentarticle includes a front waist region and a front waist edge, a backwaist region and a back waist edge, a front inner belt portion disposedin the front waist region, a front outer belt portion disposed in thefront waist region, a back inner belt portion disposed in the back waistregion, a back outer belt portion disposed in the back waist region, afirst plurality of elastics disposed in the front inner belt portion andinward of the front outer belt portion, a second plurality of elasticsdisposed in the front outer belt portion and outward of the front innerbelt portion, a third plurality of elastics disposed in the back innerbelt portion and inward of the back outer belt portion, and a fourthplurality of elastics disposed in the back outer belt portion andoutward of the back inner belt portion, wherein at least a portion of atleast one of the first, second, third and fourth pluralities of elasticscomprise anchoring elastics, at least a portion of at least one of thefirst, second, third and fourth pluralities of elastics comprise shapingelastics, and the absorbent article is disposable and wearable.

Additional aspects of the disclosure are defined by the claims of thispatent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a plan view of a belt type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes a first embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of part of thefront of the article of FIG. 1A, taken at a first sectional line.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of part of thefront of the article of FIG. 1A, taken at a second sectional line.

FIG. 1D illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the first embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers.

FIG. 1E illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes the first embodiment ofelastics in multiple layers.

FIG. 2A illustrates a plan view of a belt type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes a second embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of part of thefront of the article of FIG. 2A, taken at a sectional line.

FIG. 2C illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the second embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers.

FIG. 2D illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes the second embodiment ofelastics in multiple layers.

FIG. 3A illustrates a plan view of a belt type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes a third embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of part of thefront of the article of FIG. 3A, taken at a first sectional line.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of part of thefront of the article of FIG. 3A, taken at a second sectional line.

FIG. 3D illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the third embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers.

FIG. 3E illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes the third embodiment ofelastics in multiple layers.

FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a first embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the first embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 5A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a second embodiment ofshaping elastics.

FIG. 5B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the second embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a third embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 6B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the third embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 7A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a fourth embodiment ofshaping elastics.

FIG. 7B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the fourth embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 8A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a fifth embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 8B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes a fifth embodiment of shapingelastics.

FIG. 9A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a first embodiment ofanchoring elastics.

FIG. 9B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the first embodiment of anchoringelastics.

FIG. 10A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a second embodiment ofanchoring elastics.

FIG. 10B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the second embodiment of anchoringelastics.

FIG. 11A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article, which includes a third embodiment ofanchoring elastics.

FIG. 11B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article, which includes the third embodiment of anchoringelastics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearableabsorbent articles with different elastic structures that work welltogether. The different elastic structures may be separated intomultiple layers. For example, a disposable wearable absorbent articlecan include shaping elastics and anchoring elastics, which are separatedfrom each other by one or more layers of material. Since the shapingelastics are separated from the anchoring elastics, they can functionindependently of each other. The shaping elastics can at least assist inproviding a conforming fit and distributing contact forces over thewearer's skin while the anchoring elastics can at least assist inholding the article in place on the wearer. As a result, the disposablewearable absorbent articles of the present disclosure can be easier toapply, feel comfortable, look attractive, and perform well while worn bywearers.

Absorbent articles include products for human sanitary protection, forhuman hygienic use, and the like. Some absorbent articles are wearable.A wearable absorbent article is configured to be worn on or around alower torso of a body of a human wearer. Examples of wearable absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, and incontinence undergarments(including embodiments of each of these for people of all ages).

A disposable wearable absorbent article can include an absorbent core.Throughout the present disclosure, the term absorbent core refers to apart of a disposable wearable absorbent article configured to absorbbodily exudates (such as urine, menses, and feces) received into thearticle from a body of a wearer. An absorbent core can be configured invarious ways, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.An absorbent core can include one or more absorbent materials, such asabsorbent foams, highloft nonwovens, wood pulp and/or superabsorbentparticles, and may include one or more additional compositions,materials, or structures for receiving, containing, storing, and/ortreating bodily waste, as known in the art.

An absorbent core can be part of an absorbent assembly, comprising oneor more layers such as a liquid-permeable topsheet, an acquisitionlayer, a distribution layer, a storage layer, and a liquid impermeablebacksheet. Part, parts, or all of an absorbent core and/or part, parts,or all of an absorbent assembly may also include one or more of variousstructures, such as barrier leg cuffs, a feces containment compartment,a wetness indicator, fasteners for retaining the core within an article,disposal tapes, etc. Further, part, parts, or all of an absorbent coreand/or part, parts, or all of an absorbent assembly may include one ormore of compositions such as lotions, perfumes, and a sensate. Anabsorbent core and/or an absorbent assembly can be configured as abucket-shaped absorbent assembly, a removable absorbent core orabsorbent assembly, a replaceable absorbent core, etc.

A disposable wearable absorbent article can also include an outer cover.Throughout the present disclosure, the term outer cover refers to a partof a disposable wearable absorbent article forming an outer surface ofthe article (sometimes referred to as a backsheet), extending beyond theedges of the absorbent core, usually covering a significant portion ofthe buttocks of the wearer, and generally shaped to resemble theappearance of an undergarment. An outer cover can be configured invarious ways, as described herein. In various embodiments, an outercover can coincide with and/or define at least a portion of the chassisof a disposable wearable absorbent article.

Some absorbent articles are disposable. A disposable absorbent articleis configured to be disposed of after a single use (e.g., not intendedto be reused, restored, or laundered). Examples of disposable absorbentarticles include disposable diapers, disposable training pants,disposable incontinence undergarments, as well as feminine care pads andliners.

Elastic materials can be configured as various elastic structures indisposable wearable absorbent articles. These elastic structures canfunction in different ways to provide various benefits to the wearer.For example, lower force elastics or elastics that are spaced apart canbe configured as shaping elastics. Shaping elastics can at least assistin providing conforming fit and distributing contact forces over thewearer's skin. As another example, higher force elastics or elasticsthat are grouped closer together can be configured as anchoringelastics. Anchoring elastics can at least assist in holding the articlein place on the wearer by transferring loads from the article toparticular parts of the wearer's body.

Non-limiting types of elastic materials applicable for use in theembodiments disclosed herein include elastic strands, elastic ribbons,elastic films, elastic non-wovens, and combinations thereof. When thedescription details a plurality of elastics herein, it will be obviousto one skilled in the art that the term “plurality” refers toembodiments employing elastic strands and/or elastic ribbons or strips(as shown in the figure), however, in other embodiments, one or moreelastic films or elastic non-wovens may take the place of the pluralityof elastic strands and/or elastic ribbons. The elastic material may bein the form of films, knitted fabrics, woven fibrous webs or nonwovenfibrous webs. In some embodiments, the elastic materials may be in theform of extensible nonwovens or webs comprising of polyolefinic fibersor filaments. Exemplary elastic materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,819,853; 7,087,287; and 6,410,129; and U.S. Patent PublicationNos. 2007/0287438; 2005/0164587; and 2009/0258210.

Suitable elastomeric compositions may be applied to a substrate in afluid or fluid-like state to affect at least partial penetration intothe substrate, thus, achieving sufficient bonding between the resultingelastomeric members and the substrate such that the composite resistsdelamination in the subsequent incremental stretching step. Theelastomeric composition may have a melt viscosity from about 1 to about150 Pa·s, preferably from about 5 to about 100 Pa·s, and more preferablyfrom about 10 to about 80 Pa·s, at 175° C. and 1 s⁻¹ shear rate. Suchelastomeric composition is suitable for use in the articles of thepresent invention.

Suitable elastomeric compositions comprise thermoplastic elastomersselected from the group consisting of styrenic block copolymers,metallocene-catalyzed polyolefins, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyetheramides, and combinations thereof. Suitable styrenic block copolymers maybe diblock, triblock, tetrablock, or other multi-block copolymers havingat least one styrenic block. Exemplary styrenic block copolymers includestyrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene,styrene-ethylene/butylenes-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene,and the like. Commercially available styrenic block copolymers includeKRATON® from the Shell Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.; SEPTON® fromKuraray America, Inc. of New York, N.Y.; and VECTOR® from Dexco ChemicalCompany of Houston, Tex. Commercially available metallocene-catalyzedpolyolefins include EXXPOL® and EXACT® from Exxon Chemical Company ofBaytown, Tex.; AFFINITY® and ENGAGE® from Dow Chemical Company ofMidland, Mich. Commercially available polyurethanes include ESTANE® fromNoveon, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. Commercial available polyether amidesinclude PEBAX® from Atofina Chemicals of Philadelphia, Pa. Commerciallyavailable polyesters include HYTREL® from E. I. DuPont de Nemours Co.,of Wilmington, Del.

Applicable nonwoven webs may comprise multicomponent fibers. Themulticomponent fibers will comprise a first component comprising apolypropylene composition having a melt flow rate of from about 100 toabout 2000 grams per 10 minutes and a second component comprising apolymer composition having a melt flow rate lower than the melt flowrate of the first component. The first component comprises at leastabout 10% of a surface of the multicomponent fiber. Typically, the ratioof the first component to the second component is from about 10:90 toabout 90:10. Preferably, the first component comprises at least about50% of the surface of the multicomponent fiber and more preferably, thefiber is a bicomponent fiber with the first component being a sheath andthe second component being a core. The polypropylene composition of thefirst component may comprise two or more different polypropylenes or apolypropylene and a different polymer. The second component willpreferably have a melt flow rate of from about 20 to about 80 grams per10 minutes and may be a low melt flow rate polypropylene or anythermoplastic composition. Preferably, the melt flow rate of the firstcomponent is from about 100 to about 1000 grams per 10 minutes and thesecond component has a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 80 grams per10 minutes. The nonwoven web may have a basis weight of from about 5 toabout 100 gsm and may be produced by a spunbound process. The diameterof the fibers comprising the web will typically be from about 5 to about50 microns. The nonwoven web may optionally comprise fibers other thanthe fibers comprising the polymer composition detailed above. The strainat peak load of the nonwoven web is preferably greater than 80% in atleast one direction.

The elastomeric film may be formed in a single layer or in a multi-layerstructure. The multilayer films may comprise two or more layers, atleast one of the layers being elastomeric. Although an elastomeric layeris generally substantially joined to one or two skin layers, it iscontemplated that multiple elastomeric layers may be utilized, eachelastomeric layer being joined to one or two skin layers. Three-layerfilms preferably comprise a central elastomeric core that may comprisefrom about 10 to 90 percent of the total thickness of the film. Theouter skin layers are generally, but not necessarily, identical and maycomprise from about 5 to 45 percent of the total thickness of the film.Tie layers, when employed, may each comprise from about 5 to 10 percentof the total film thickness. In a three-layer film, core layer hasopposed first and second sides, one side being substantiallycontinuously joined to one side of each outer skin layer prior to theapplication of applied stress to the web.

A particularly preferred multilayer film has an elastomeric layerinterposed between two skin layers. The elastomeric layer preferablycomprises a thermoplastic elastomer comprised of a substantiallycontinuous amorphous matrix, with glassy or crystalline domainsinterspersed throughout, the domains acting as effective physicalcrosslinks and hence enabling the material to exhibit an elastic memorywhen subjected to an applied strain and subsequently released. Preferredelastomeric materials include block copolymers and blends thereof, suchas styrene-butadiene-styrene or other such common styrenic blockcopolymers as are generally available from the Shell Company under thetrade name “KRATON.” Similarly, polyolefinic materials such aspolyethylene and polypropylene generally of densities below about 0.9g/cc could likewise exhibit the necessary thermoplastic character andresultant elastic behavior. The skin layers preferably comprise anythermoplastic polymer, especially polyolefinic polymers such aspolyethylene or polypropylene, generally of density greater than about0.9 g/cc which are capable of thermoplastic processing into thin films.The skin layer should have sufficient adhesion to the elastomeric layersuch that it will not completely delaminate either before or afterstretching of the web. A preferred method to produce the multilayerpolymeric film is coextrusion.

The elastomeric layer may provide the desired amount and force ofrecovery upon the relaxation of an elongating tension on theplastoelastic material, especially upon strain cycles following theinitial shaping strain cycle. Many elastic materials are known in theart, including synthetic or natural rubbers (e.g., crosslinkedpolyisoprene, polybutadiene and their saturated versions (afterhydrogenation), and polyisobutylene), thermoplastic elastomers based onmulti-block copolymers, such as those comprising copolymerized rubberelastomeric blocks with polystyrene blocks (e.g.,styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene,styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene,and styrene-butadiene/isoprene-styrene, including their hydrogenated andnon-hydrogenated forms), thermoplastic elastomers based on polyurethanes(which form a hard phase that provides high mechanical integrity whendispersed in an elastomeric phase by anchoring the polymer chainstogether), polyesters, polyether amides, elastomeric polyethylenes,elastomeric polypropylenes, and combinations thereof. Some particularlysuitable examples of elastic components include styrenic blockcopolymers, elastomeric polyolefins, and polyurethanes.

Other particularly suitable examples of elastic components includeelastomeric polypropylenes. In these materials, propylene represents themajority component of the polymeric backbone, and as a result, anyresidual crystallinity possesses the characteristics of polypropylenecrystals. Residual crystalline entities embedded in the propylene-basedelastomeric molecular network may function as physical crosslinks,providing polymeric chain anchoring capabilities that improve themechanical properties of the elastic network, such as high recovery, lowset and low force relaxation. Suitable examples of elastomericpolypropylenes include an elastic random poly(propylene/olefin)copolymer, an isotactic polypropylene containing stereoerrors, anisotactic/atactic polypropylene block copolymer, an isotacticpolypropylene/random poly(propylene/olefin) copolymer block copolymer, astereoblock elastomeric polypropylene, a syndiotactic polypropyleneblock poly(ethylene-co-propylene) block syndiotactic polypropylenetriblock copolymer, an isotactic polypropylene block regioirregularpolypropylene block isotactic polypropylene triblock copolymer, apolyethylene random (ethylene/olefin) copolymer block copolymer, areactor blend polypropylene, a very low density polypropylene (or,equivalently, ultra low density polypropylene), a metallocenepolypropylene, and combinations thereof Suitable polypropylene polymersincluding crystalline isotactic blocks and amorphous atactic blocks aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,559,262, 6,518,378, and6,169,151. Suitable isotactic polypropylene with stereoerrors along thepolymer chain are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,643 and EP 1 256 594A1. Suitable examples include elastomeric random copolymers (RCPs)including propylene with a low level comonomer (e.g., ethylene or ahigher α-olefin) incorporated into the backbone. Suitable elastomericRCP materials are available under the names VISTAMAXX (available fromExxonMobil, Houston, Tex.) and VERSIFY (available from Dow Chemical,Midland, Mich.).

The embodiments of FIGS. 1A through 3E describe different types ofdisposable wearable absorbent articles with various embodiments ofelastics in multiple layers.

FIG. 1A illustrates a plan view of a belt type disposable wearableabsorbent article 100, which includes a first embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers. FIG. 1A illustrates a plan view of a belt typedisposable wearable absorbent article 100. The view of FIG. 1Aillustrates an inside (wearer-facing side) of the article 100.

Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a belt type disposablewearable absorbent article can refer to an embodiment that is fastenableor to an embodiment without fasteners. A reference to a belt typedisposable wearable absorbent article can also refer to an embodiment ofan article with one or more waist and/or leg openings that are preformed(i.e. formed during manufacture of the article) or to an embodiment ofan article with waist and leg openings that are not preformed. Thus,each embodiment of a disposable wearable absorbent article of thepresent disclosure that is described as belt type can be configured inany of these ways, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in theart. In FIG. 1A, a longitudinal centerline 113 and a lateral centerline117 provide lines of reference for referring to relative locations ofparts of the article 100. When a first part is nearer to thelongitudinal centerline 113 than a second part, the first part can beconsidered laterally inboard 112 to the second part. Similarly, thesecond part can be considered laterally outboard 114 from the firstpart. The first part would be proximal relative to the second part andthe second part would be distal relative to the first part. When a thirdpart is nearer to the lateral centerline 117 than a fourth part, thethird part can be considered longitudinally inboard 116 to the fourthpart. Similarly, the fourth part can be considered longitudinallyoutboard 118 from the third part. The third part would be proximalrelative to the fourth part and the fourth part would be distal relativeto the third part. Throughout the present disclosure, when one part issimply referred to as inboard from another part, the one part islaterally inboard and/or longitudinally inboard from the other part. Inthe same way, when one part is simply referred to as outboard fromanother part, the one part is laterally outboard and/or longitudinallyoutboard from the other part.

FIG. 1A includes arrows indicating relative directions for laterallyinboard 112, laterally outboard 114, longitudinally inboard 116, andlongitudinally outboard 118, with respect to the article 100. Throughoutthe present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, a reference to alongitudinal dimension, measurement, line, or direction refers to adimension, measurement, line, or direction substantially or completelyparallel to the longitudinal centerline 113, and a reference to alateral dimension, measurement, line, or direction refers to adimension, measurement, line, or direction substantially or completelyparallel to the lateral centerline 117.

The article 100 includes a front 124 and a back 126. The front 124 is aportion of the article 100 disposed generally proximate to and/or belowthe belly of a wearer, when the article 100 is worn by the wearer. Areference to the “front” can mean the front itself, part, or parts, orsubstantially all, or all of an element in the front, and/or adisposition in the front, depending on the context of the reference. Theback 126 is a portion of the article 100 disposed generally proximate toand/or below the back of a wearer, when the article 100 is worn by thewearer. A reference to the “back” can mean the back itself, part, orparts, or substantially all, or all of an element in the back, and/or adisposition in the back, depending on the context of the reference. Thelateral centerline 117 of the article 100 divides the articlelongitudinally into halves and forms a boundary between the front 124and the back 126. The terminology for front and back, described above,is used for disposable wearable absorbent articles throughout thepresent disclosure, unless otherwise indicated.

The article 100 includes a belt 160 and a center chassis 120. A frontbelt portion 161 and a back belt portion 169 form the belts 160. Thearticle 100 includes an absorbent core 127 that extends from the frontbelt portion 161 through the center chassis 120 to the back beltportion. The center chassis 120 includes a topsheet 106 that is inwardto the absorbent core 127 and a backsheet 107 that is outward from theabsorbent core 127.

The front 124 includes a front belt portion 161 with a front waist areathat is adjacent to a front waist edge 109 and is one-third toone-quarter of the overall longitudinal length of the article. The back126 includes a back belt portion 169 with a back waist area that isadjacent to a back waist edge 104 and is one-third to one-quarter of theoverall longitudinal length of the article. The center chassis 120includes a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and therear waist region, wherein the crotch region includes the lateralcenterline 117. The absorbent core 127 extends from the front 124 to theback 126.

The front belt portion 161 has a front inner belt portion 162 and afront outer belt portion 165, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Thefront inner belt portion 162 includes a plurality 195 of front shapingelastics 197. The plurality 195 is configured in the same way as theplurality 495 of the embodiment of FIG. 4A. The front outer belt portion165 includes an anchoring system 130, with anchoring elastics 141. Theanchoring elastics 141 of the anchoring system 130 are configured in thesame way as the plurality of shaping elastics 895 of the embodiment ofFIG. 8B, except that the elastics are anchoring elastics, which worktogether in the form of a Circumferential Anchoring Member (CAM) asdefined and described herein, similar to the front CAM 1141 of theembodiment of FIG. 11B. Together, the plurality 195 of front shapingelastics 197 and the plurality of anchoring elastics 141 form the firstembodiment of elastics in multiple layers.

The terms inner and outer as they apply to the inner belt portion andouter belt portion are intended to provide a relative position of thetwo portions in relationship to each other. In other words, the innerbelt portion is positioned closer to the wearer-facing surface of thearticle than the outer belt portion and the outer belt portion ispositioned relatively closer to the garment-facing surface of thearticle than the inner belt portion. In certain embodiments the innerbelt portion may form part of the inner, wearer-facing, surface of thearticle and the outer belt portion may form part, or all, of the outer,garment-facing, surface of the article. One or both of the inner beltportion and the outer belt portion may be disposed outwardly of thebacksheet or alternatively inward of the backsheet.

The inner and/or outer belts may be formed in a variety of shapes. Theinner and outer belts may be rectangular or may have inner and outerlongitudinally opposed edges that are concave with regard to the waistedge and lateral axis. The shape may also substantially follow the shapeor curvature of the elastics disposed in the respective belt structure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the back belt portion 169 has no elastics.However, in various embodiments, the back belt portion 169 can beconfigured in the same way as the front belt portion 161 or the backbelt portion 169 can have elastics configured in a different way.Moreover, for the embodiment of FIG. 1A, as well as any other embodimentdisclosed herein, any configuration of shaping and/or anchoring elasticsdisclosed in the front or the back of the absorbent article may becombined in part or in whole with any other configuration of elasticsdisclosed in the other respective end of the absorbent article. In otherwords, absorbent article embodiments are contemplated herein that areformed from any front belt portion disclosed herein integrated in partor in whole with any back belt portion disclosed herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of the frontbelt portion 161 of the article 100 of FIG. 1A, taken at a firstsectional line. FIG. 1B includes an inward direction 111 (toward thewearer, and away from the outer garment) and an outward direction 119(away from the wearer, and toward the outer garment). This terminologyfor inward, inner, outward, and outer, is used for disposable wearableabsorbent articles throughout the present disclosure, unless otherwiseindicated.

The front inner belt portion 162 includes an inner belt layer 163, theplurality 195 of front shaping elastics 197, and an outer belt layer164. The belt inner layer 163 is the innermost belt layer. The plurality195 of front shaping elastics 197 is outward 119 from the inner beltlayer 163. The outer belt layer 164 is outward 119 from the plurality ofshaping elastics 197. In various embodiments, the plurality 195 of frontshaping elastics 197 can be joined to either or both of the inner beltlayer 163 and the outer belt layer 164.

The inner belt layer 163 and/or the outer belt layer 164 can be anonwoven, a film, a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film, or anyother kind of material suitable for forming a layer of material. Invarious alternative embodiments, the inner belt layer 163 or the outerbelt layer 164 may be omitted. In various alternative embodiments, thefront inner belt portion 162 can also include one or more additionalmaterials or layers.

The front outer belt portion 165 includes an inner belt layer 166, theanchoring system 130 formed from the plurality of anchoring elastics 141and an outer belt layer 167. The plurality of anchoring elastics 141 isoutward 119 from the inner belt layer 166. The outer belt layer ofmaterial 167 is outward 119 from the plurality of anchoring elastics141. The outer layer 167 is the outermost layer of the belt portion 165.In various embodiments, the plurality of anchoring elastics 141 can bejoined to either or both of the inner belt layer 166 and the outer beltlayer 167.

The inner belt layer 166 and/or the outer belt layer 167 can be anonwoven, a film, a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film, or anyother kind of material suitable for forming a layer of material. Invarious alternative embodiments, the inner belt layer 166 or the outerbelt layer 167 may be omitted. In various alternative embodiments, thefront outer belt portion 165 can also include one or more additionalmaterials or layers.

The shaping elastics 197 and the anchoring elastics 141 are separatedinto multiple layers. Since the shaping elastics are separated from theanchoring elastics, they can function somewhat independently of eachother. The shaping elastics can at least assist in providing conformingfit and distributing contact forces over the wearer's skin while theanchoring elastics can at least assist in holding the article in placeon the wearer. As a result, embodiments of the belt type disposablewearable absorbent article 100 can feel comfortable, look attractive,and perform well while being worn.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the center chassis 120 is outward 119 fromthe front inner belt portion 162, and the front outer belt portion 165is outward 119 from the center chassis 120. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the front outer belt portion 165 can be disposed outward 119from front inner belt portion 162 and inward 111 to the center chassis120. In another alternative embodiment, the front inner belt portion 162can be disposed outward 119 from the center chassis 120 and inward tothe front outer belt portion 165. In these alternative embodiments, theouter belt layer 164 can be joined to the inner belt layer 166, or thesetwo layers of material can even be substituted with a single layer ofmaterial.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the front beltportion 161 of the article 100 of FIG. 1A, taken at a second sectionalline.

FIG. 1D illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 102, which includes the first embodiment of elasticsin multiple layers. The first embodiment of elastics in the pant typearticle 102 of FIG. 1D is configured in the same way as the firstembodiment of elastics in the belt type article 100 of FIG. 1A, exceptfor differences in type of chassis.

Throughout the present disclosure, a reference to a pant type disposablewearable absorbent article can refer to an embodiment that is fastenableor to an embodiment without fasteners. A reference to a pant typedisposable wearable absorbent article can also refer to an embodiment ofan article with one or more waist and/or leg openings that are preformed(i.e. formed during manufacture of the article) or to an embodiment ofan article with waist and leg openings that are not preformed. Thus,each embodiment of a disposable wearable absorbent article of thepresent disclosure that is described as pant type can be configured inany of these ways, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in theart.

The article 102 includes a pant type chassis 122 with a front 124 and aback 126. The article 102 also includes side panels 151. When thearticle 102 is formed for wearing, each front side panel 151 isconnected to a corresponding back side panel 151 at a side panelconnection.

Since the pant type disposable wearable absorbent article 102 has thefirst embodiment of elastics, with shaping elastics and anchoringelastics separated into multiple layers, these elastics can functionsomewhat independently of each other, and the article 102 can feelcomfortable, look attractive, and perform well while being worn.

FIG. 1E illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 101, which includes the first embodiment ofelastics in multiple layers. The first embodiment of elastics in thefront fastenable article 101 of FIG. 1E is configured in the same way asthe first embodiment of elastics in the belt type article 100 of FIG.1A, except for differences in type of chassis.

The article 101 includes a front fastenable chassis 121 with a front 123and a back 125. The article 101 also includes fasteners 154 in the back125. When the article 102 is formed for wearing, each of the fasteners154 in the back 125 connects to a portion of the front 123 to form afastening connection.

While the present disclosure refers to front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent articles, the present disclosure also contemplatesalternate embodiments of disposable wearable absorbent articles, asdescribed herein, wherein the disposable wearable absorbent articles arerear-fastenable or side-fastenable or belt-fastenable. Thus, eachembodiment of a disposable wearable absorbent article of the presentdisclosure that is described as front fastenable can also be configuredin any of these ways, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art. Useful fasteners may include tape tabs, hook-and-loopfasteners, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots, buckles,buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components. Exemplarysurface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594;4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and 5,221,274,while an exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system may also include primary andsecondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622.Additionally exemplary fasteners and fastener arrangements, thefastening components forming these fasteners, and the materials that aresuitable for forming fasteners are described in U.S. PublishedApplication Nos. 2003/0060794 and 2005/0222546 and U.S. Pat. No.6,428,526.

Since the front fastenable disposable wearable absorbent article 101 hasthe first embodiment of elastics, with shaping elastics and anchoringelastics separated into multiple layers, these elastics can functionsomewhat independently of each other, and the article 101 can feelcomfortable, look attractive, and perform well while being worn.

FIG. 2A illustrates a plan view of a belt type disposable wearableabsorbent article 200, which includes a second embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers. FIG. 2A illustrates a plan view of a belt typedisposable wearable absorbent article 200. The view of FIG. 2Aillustrates an inside (wearer-facing side) of the article 200.

In FIG. 2A, a longitudinal centerline 213 and a lateral centerline 217provide lines of reference for referring to relative locations of partsof the article 200. FIG. 2A includes arrows indicating relativedirections for laterally inboard 212, laterally outboard 214,longitudinally inboard 216, and longitudinally outboard 218, withrespect to the article 200.

The article 200 includes a front 224 and a back 226. The article 200includes a belt 260 and a center chassis 220. A front belt portion 261and a back belt portion 269 form the belt 260. The article 200 includesan absorbent core 227 that extends from the front belt portion 261through the center chassis 220 to the back belt portion 269. The centerchassis 220 includes a topsheet 206 that is inward from the absorbentcore 227 and a backsheet 207 that is outward from the absorbent core227.

The front 224 includes a front belt portion 261 with a front waist areathat is adjacent to a front waist edge 209 and is one-third toone-quarter of the overall longitudinal length of the article. The back226 includes a back belt portion 269 with a back waist area that isadjacent to a back waist edge 204 and is one-third to one-quarter of theoverall longitudinal length of the article. The center chassis 220includes a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and therear waist region, wherein the crotch region includes the lateralcenterline 217. The absorbent core 227 extends from the front 224 to theback 226.

The front belt portion 261 has a front inner belt portion 262 and afront outer belt portion 265, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. The front innerbelt portion 262 includes a plurality 295 of front shaping elastics 297(e.g., the first plurality of elastics). The plurality 295 is configuredin the same way as the plurality 495 of the embodiment of FIG. 4A. Thefront outer belt portion 265 includes an anchoring system 230, withanchoring elastics 241 (e.g., the second plurality of elastics). Theanchoring elastics 241 of the anchoring system 230 form a CAM, similarto the front CAM 1141 of the embodiment of FIG. 11B. Together, theplurality 295 of front shaping elastics 297 and the plurality ofanchoring elastics 241 form the second embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers.

For embodiments comprising pluralities of elastics in only one of thefront and back waist regions, and in the inner belt portions and outerbelt portions, the plurality of elastics disposed in the inner beltportion in the waist region is referred to hereinafter as the firstplurality of elastics. The plurality of elastics disposed in the outerbelt portion in the waist region is referred to hereinafter as thesecond plurality of elastics.

For embodiments comprising pluralities of elastics in both front andback waist regions, and in the inner belt portions and outer beltportions, the plurality of elastics disposed in the inner belt portionin the front waist region is referred to hereinafter as the firstplurality of elastics. The plurality of elastics disposed in the outerbelt portion in the front waist region is referred to hereinafter as thesecond plurality of elastics. The plurality of elastics disposed in theinner belt portion in the back waist region is referred to hereinafteras the third plurality of elastics. The plurality of elastics disposedin the outer belt portion in the back waist region is referred tohereinafter as the fourth plurality of elastics.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the back belt portion 269 is configured inthe same way as the front belt portion 261. However, in variousembodiments, the back belt portion 269 can have elastics configured in adifferent way or can be configured with no elastics.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of the frontbelt portion 261 of the article 200 of FIG. 2A, taken at a firstsectional line. FIG. 2B includes an inward direction 211 and an outwarddirection 219.

The front inner belt portion 262 includes an inner belt layer 263, theplurality 295 of front shaping elastics 297, and an outer belt layer264. The inner belt layer 263 is the innermost layer. The plurality 295of front shaping elastics 297 is outward 219 from the inner belt layer263. The outer belt layer 264 is outward 219 from the plurality ofshaping elastics 297. In various embodiments, the plurality 295 of frontshaping elastics 297 can be joined to either or both of the inner beltlayer 263 and the outer belt layer 264.

The inner belt layer 263 and/or the outer belt layer 264 can be anonwoven, a film, a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film, or anyother kind of material suitable for forming a layer of material. Invarious alternative embodiments, the inner belt layer 263 or the outerbelt layer 264 may be omitted. In various alternative embodiments, thefront inner belt portion 262 can also include one or more additionalmaterials or layers.

The front outer belt portion 265 includes an inner belt layer 266, theanchoring system 230 formed from the plurality of anchoring elastics241, and an outer belt layer 267. The plurality of anchoring elastics241 is outward 219 from the inner belt layer 266. The outer belt layer267 is outward 219 from the plurality of anchoring elastics 241. Theouter belt layer 267 is the outermost layer. In various embodiments, theplurality of anchoring elastics 241 can be joined to either or both ofthe inner belt layer 266 and the outer belt layer 267.

The inner belt layer 266 and/or the outer belt layer 267 can be anonwoven, a film, a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film, or anyother kind of material suitable for forming a layer of material. Invarious alternative embodiments, the inner belt layer 266 or the outerbelt layer 267 may be omitted. In various alternative embodiments, thefront outer belt portion 265 can also include one or more additionalmaterials or layers.

The shaping elastics 297 and the anchoring elastics 241 are separatedinto multiple layers. Since the shaping elastics are separated from theanchoring elastics, they can function somewhat independently of eachother. The shaping elastics can at least assist in providing conformingfit and distributing contact forces over the wearer's skin while theanchoring elastics can at least assist in holding the article in placeon the wearer. As a result, embodiments of the belt type disposablewearable absorbent article 200 can feel comfortable, look attractive,and perform well while being worn.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the center chassis 220 is outward 219 fromthe front inner belt portion 262, and the front outer belt portion 265is outward 219 from the center chassis. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the front outer belt portion 265 can be disposed outward 219from front inner belt portion 262 and inward 211 to the center chassis220. In another alternative embodiment, the front inner belt portion 262can be disposed outward 219 from the center chassis 220 and inward tothe front outer belt portion 265. In these alternative embodiments, theouter belt layer 264 can be joined to the inner belt layer 266, or thesetwo layers of material can even be substituted with a single layer ofmaterial.

FIG. 2C illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 202, which includes the second embodiment of elasticsin multiple layers. The second embodiment of elastics in the pant typearticle 202 of FIG. 2C is configured in the same way as the secondembodiment of elastics in the belt type article 200 of FIG. 2A, exceptfor differences in type of chassis. The article 202 includes a pant typechassis 222. Since the pant type disposable wearable absorbent article202 has the second embodiment of elastics, with shaping elastics andanchoring elastics separated into multiple layers, these elastics canfunction somewhat independently of each other, and the article 202 canfeel comfortable, look attractive, and perform well while being worn.

FIG. 2D illustrates a plan view of a front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 201, which includes the second embodiment ofelastics in multiple layers. The second embodiment of elastics in thefront/side fastenable article 201 of FIG. 2D is configured in the sameway as the second embodiment of elastics in the belt type article 200 ofFIG. 2A, except for differences in type of chassis. The article 201includes a front/side fastenable chassis 221. Since the front/sidefastenable disposable wearable absorbent article 201 has the secondembodiment of elastics, with shaping elastics and anchoring elasticsseparated into multiple layers, these elastics can function somewhatindependently of each other, and the article 201 can feel comfortable,look attractive, and perform well while being worn. In certainembodiments the anchoring elastics can be positioned in line with thefastener such that the fasteners provide a defined connection betweenthe front and back of the article thereby linking the anchoring elasticsin one waist region with the anchoring elastics in the opposing waistregion.

FIG. 3A illustrates a plan view of a belt type disposable wearableabsorbent article 300, which includes a third embodiment of elastics inmultiple layers. FIG. 3A illustrates a plan view of a belt typedisposable wearable absorbent article 300. The view of FIG. 3Aillustrates an inside (wearer-facing side) of the article 300.

In FIG. 3A, a longitudinal centerline 313 and a lateral centerline 317provide lines of reference for referring to relative locations of partsof the article 300. FIG. 3A includes arrows indicating relativedirections for laterally inboard 312, laterally outboard 314,longitudinally inboard 316, and longitudinally outboard 318, withrespect to the article 300.

The article 300 includes a front 324 and a back 326. The article 300includes a belt 360 and a center chassis 320. A front belt portion 361and a back belt portion 369 form the belt 360. The article 300 includesan absorbent core 327 that extends from the front belt portion 361through the center chassis 320 to the back belt portion 369. The centerchassis 320 includes a topsheet 306 that is inward of the absorbent core327 and a backsheet 307 that is outward of the absorbent core 327.

The front 324 includes a front belt portion 361 with a front waist areathat is adjacent to a front waist edge 309 and is one-third toone-quarter of the overall longitudinal length of the article. The back326 includes a back belt portion 369 with a back waist area that isadjacent to a back waist edge 304 and is one-third to one-quarter of theoverall longitudinal length of the article. The center chassis 320includes a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and therear waist region, wherein the crotch region includes the lateralcenterline 317. The absorbent core 327 extends from the front 324 intothe back 326.

The front belt portion 361 has a front inner belt portion 362 and afront outer belt portion 365, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Thefront inner belt portion 362 includes a plurality 395 of front shapingelastics 398. The plurality 395 is configured in the same way as theplurality 695 of the embodiment of FIG. 6A. The front outer belt portion365 includes an anchoring system 330, with anchoring elastics 341. Theanchoring elastics 341 of the anchoring system 330 are configured in thesame way as the plurality of shaping elastics 695 of the embodiment ofFIG. 6A, except that the elastics are anchoring elastics, which worktogether in the form of a CAM, similar to the front CAM 1141 of theembodiment of FIG. 11B. Together, the plurality 395 of front shapingelastics 398 and the plurality of anchoring elastics 341 form the thirdembodiment of elastics in multiple layers.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the back belt portion 369 also haselastics. The back belt portion 369 has a plurality of front shapingelastics configured in the same way as the plurality 591 of theembodiment of FIG. 5A, and an anchoring system, with anchoring elasticsconfigured in the same way as the plurality of shaping elastics 591 ofthe embodiment of FIG. 5A, except that the elastics are anchoringelastics, which work together in the form of a CAM, similar to the frontCAM 1141 of the embodiment of FIG. 11B. Together, the plurality of frontshaping elastics and the plurality of anchoring elastics in the backbelt portion form an embodiment of elastics in multiple layers. Invarious embodiments, the back belt portion 369 can be configured in thesame way as the front belt portion 361, or the back belt portion 369 canhave elastics configured in a different way, or the back belt portion369 can be configured without elastics.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment that has elastics in the front beltportion that are convex to the lateral centerline on the center chassis,and elastics in the back belt portion that are concave to the lateralcenterline on the center chassis. When these elastics are integratedtogether in an absorbent article, such absorbent article (when donned ona wearer) has a sustained dynamic fit to improve containment of bodyexudates and wearer comfort/mobility. The elastics form a continuum ofanchoring that extends from the small of users back, to below the naveat the belly crease, and back to the small of the back. Thus, thiselastic continuum follows the minimum circumference of the anatomy andprovides the greatest level of anchoring.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of the frontbelt portion 361 of the article 300 of FIG. 3A, taken at a firstsectional line. FIG. 3B includes an inward direction 311 and an outwarddirection 319.

The front inner belt portion 362 includes an inner belt layer 363, theplurality 395 of front shaping elastics 398, and an outer belt layer364. The inner belt layer 363 is the innermost layer. The plurality 395of front shaping elastics 398 is outward 319 from the inner belt layer363. The outer belt layer 364 is outward 319 from the plurality ofshaping elastics 398. In various embodiments, the plurality 395 of frontshaping elastics 398 can be joined to either or both of the inner beltlayer 363 and the outer belt layer 364.

The inner belt layer 363 and/or the outer belt layer 364 can be anonwoven, a film, a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film, or anyother kind of material suitable for forming a layer of material. Invarious alternative embodiments, the inner belt layer 363 or the outerbelt layer 364 may be omitted. In various alternative embodiments, thefront inner belt portion 362 can also include one or more additionalmaterials or layers.

The front outer belt portion 365 includes an inner belt layer 366, theanchoring system 330 formed from the plurality of anchoring elastics341, and an outer belt layer 367. The plurality of anchoring elastics341 is outward 319 from the inner belt layer 366. The outer belt layer367 is outward 319 from the plurality of anchoring elastics 341. Theouter belt layer 367 is the outermost layer. In various embodiments, theplurality of anchoring elastics 341 can be joined to either or both ofthe inner belt layer 366 and the outer belt layer 367.

The inner belt layer 366 and/or the outer belt layer 367 can be anonwoven, a film, a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film, or anyother kind of material suitable for forming a layer of material. Invarious alternative embodiments, the inner belt layer 366 or the outerbelt layer 367 may be omitted. In various alternative embodiments, thefront outer belt portion 365 can also include one or more additionalmaterials or layers.

The shaping elastics 398 and the anchoring elastics 341 are separatedinto multiple layers. Since the shaping elastics are separated from theanchoring elastics, they can function somewhat independently of eachother. The shaping elastics can at least assist in providing conformingfit and distributing contact forces over the wearer's skin while theanchoring elastics can at least assist in holding the article in placeon the wearer. As a result, embodiments of the belt type disposablewearable absorbent article 300 can feel comfortable, look attractive,and perform well while being worn.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the center chassis 320 is outward 319 fromthe front inner belt portion 362, and the front outer belt portion 365is outward 319 from the center chassis. However, in an alternativeembodiment, the front outer belt portion 365 can be disposed outward 319from front inner belt portion 362 and inward 311 to the center chassis320. In another alternative embodiment, the front inner belt portion 362can be disposed outward 319 from the center chassis 320 and inward tothe front outer belt portion 365. In these alternative embodiments, theouter belt layer 364 can be joined to the inner belt layer 366, or thesetwo layers of material can even be substituted with a single layer ofmaterial.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the front beltportion 361 of the article 300 of FIG. 3A, taken at a second sectionalline.

FIG. 3D illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 302, which includes the third embodiment of elasticsin multiple layers. The third embodiment of elastics in the pant typearticle 302 of FIG. 3D is configured in the same way as the thirdembodiment of elastics in the belt type article 300 of FIG. 3A, exceptfor differences in type of chassis. The article 302 includes a pant typechassis 322. Since the pant type disposable wearable absorbent article302 has the third embodiment of elastics, with shaping elastics andanchoring elastics separated into multiple layers, these elastics canfunction somewhat independently of each other, and the article 302 canfeel comfortable, look attractive, and perform well while being worn.

FIG. 3E illustrates a plan view of a front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 301, which includes the third embodiment ofelastics in multiple layers. The third embodiment of elastics in thefront/side fastenable article 301 of FIG. 3E is configured in the sameway as the third embodiment of elastics in the belt type article 300 ofFIG. 3A, except for differences in type of chassis. Since the front/sidefastenable disposable wearable absorbent article 301 has the thirdembodiment of elastics, with shaping elastics and anchoring elasticsseparated into multiple layers, these elastics can function somewhatindependently of each other, and the article 301 can feel comfortable,look attractive, and perform well while being worn.

The embodiments of FIGS. 4A through 8B describe various pluralities ofshaping elastics for use in disposable wearable absorbent articles.These pluralities can be configured in various ways. Shaping elasticscan be formed from various materials, such as Lycra, rubber, Spandex,styrene ethylbutylene styrene, styrene ethylene propylene styrene,styrene ethylene ethylene propylene styrene, styrene butadiene styrene,styrene isoprene styrene, polyolefin elastomers, elastomericpolyurethanes, rubbers, similar materials, other elastic materials knownin the art, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, shapingelastics can be extruded strand elastics with any number of strands (orfilaments). Shaping elastics can have a decitex ranging from 50 to 500,or any integer value for any decitex value in this range, or any rangeformed by any of these integer values. In FIGS. 4A through 8B, for thepurpose of clarity, some underlying parts of the disposable wearableabsorbent articles are not shown with hidden lines, so as not to obscurethe elastics.

In FIGS. 4A through 8B, for ease of illustration, each plurality ofshaping elastics is shown with an exemplary number of elastics. However,each of these pluralities can include any number of elastics. In variousalternate embodiments, any of these shaping elastics can be configuredin any manner described herein. Each of the pluralities of shapingelastics, of FIGS. 4A through 8B can be configured in a disposablewearable absorbent article to provide a conforming fit and to distributecontact forces over the wearer's skin.

The embodiments of FIGS. 9A through 11B describe various anchoringsystems for use in disposable wearable absorbent articles. Theseanchoring systems can be configured with one or more CircumferentialAnchoring Members (CAMs), anchoring bands, Load Distribution Elements(LDEs), spines, and/or other anchoring pathways, in various ways, asdescribed herein. In FIGS. 9A through 11B, for the purpose of clarity,some parts of the disposable wearable absorbent articles are illustratedas transparent, to show structures and features, which might otherwisebe hidden by overlying material.

The front of one or more of any of the articles of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A,8A, 9A, 10A, and 11A when configured to represent a front/sidefastenable disposable wearable absorbent article (including anyalternative embodiments), can be combined with the back of one or moreof any of the articles of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, and 11Awhen configured to represent a front/side fastenable disposable wearableabsorbent article (including any alternative embodiments). In suchcombinations, the resulting article can have elastics in multiple layersin the front, the back or both. For front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent articles, any front disclosed herein can be combinedwith any back disclosed herein or known in the art (including any backwithout elastics), to form further alternative embodiments.

The back of one or more of any of the articles of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A,8A, 9A, 10A, and 11A when configured to represent a front/sidefastenable disposable wearable absorbent article (including anyalternative embodiments), can be combined with the front of one or moreof any of the articles of FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, and 11Awhen configured to represent a front/side fastenable disposable wearableabsorbent article (including any alternative embodiments). In suchcombinations, the resulting article can have elastics in multiple layersin the back, the front or both. For front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent articles, any back disclosed herein can be combinedwith any front disclosed herein or known in the art (including any frontwithout elastics), to form further alternative embodiments. In variousalternate embodiments, any front/side fastenable disposable wearableabsorbent article disclosed herein can be modified to be a belt typearticle, configured in any way disclosed herein or known in the art.

The front of one or more of any of the articles of FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B,8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B when configured to represent a pant type disposablewearable absorbent article (including any alternative embodiments), canbe combined with the back of one or more of any of the articles of FIGS.4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B when configured to represent a panttype disposable wearable absorbent article (including any alternativeembodiments). In such combinations, the resulting article can haveelastics in multiple layers in the front, the back or both. For panttype disposable wearable absorbent articles, any front disclosed hereincan be combined with any back disclosed herein or known in the art(including any back without elastics), to form further alternativeembodiments.

The back of one or more of any of the articles of FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B,8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B when configured to represent a pant type disposablewearable absorbent article (including any alternative embodiments), canbe combined with the front of one or more of any of the articles ofFIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B when configured to representa pant type disposable wearable absorbent article (including anyalternative embodiments). In such combinations, the resulting articlecan have elastics in multiple layers in the back, the front or both. Forpant type disposable wearable absorbent articles, any back disclosedherein can be combined with any front disclosed herein or known in theart (including any front without elastics), to form further alternativeembodiments. In various alternate embodiments, any pant type disposablewearable absorbent article disclosed herein can be modified to be a belttype article, configured in any way disclosed herein or known in theart.

FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of a front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 401, which includes shaping elastics 490,495. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 4A isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1A. The view of FIG. 4A illustrates an inside(wearer-facing side) of the article 401 and the chassis 421.

In the article 401, a plurality 495 of front shaping elastics 497 isdisposed in the front 423. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, each of thefront shaping elastics 497 is straight and parallel with the front waistedge 409 and extends laterally across the chassis of the article 401.The front shaping elastics 497 are parallel to each other and spacedapart from each other. In the article 401, a plurality 490 of backshaping elastics 492 is disposed in the back 425. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4A, each of the back shaping elastics 492 is straight and parallelwith the back waist edge 404 and extends laterally across the chassis ofthe article 401. The back shaping elastics 492 are parallel to eachother and spaced apart from each other.

FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 402, which includes pluralities of shaping elastics490, 495. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 4B isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1D, and the pluralities of shaping elastics 490, 495are configured in the same way as the like-numbered elements of theembodiment of FIG. 4A, except for differences in type of chassis. In analternate embodiment, the pant type disposable wearable absorbentarticle 402 can be modified to be a belt type pant with a chassisconfigured in the same way as in the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 501, which includes pluralities of shapingelastics 590, 595. Each of the general elements of the embodiment ofFIG. 5A is configured in the same way as the like-numbered element ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1A. The view of FIG. 5A illustrates an inside(wearer-facing side) of the article 501 and the chassis 521.

In the article 501, a plurality 595 of front shaping elastics 596 isdisposed in the front 523. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, each of thefront shaping elastics 596 is curved with an overall convex shape withrespect to the front waist edge 509 and extends substantially laterallyacross the chassis 521 of the article 501. The waist edge of one or bothof the inner and outer belt portions in either one or both of the frontand back waist regions may be curved either convexly with respect to thelateral centerline or concavely with respect to the lateral centerline.In such embodiments, one or more of the elastics may be curved to extendalong the waist edge of the respective belt portions. In addition, thelongitudinally opposing edge of the inner or outer belt portions may becurved either convexly with respect to the lateral centerline orconcavely with respect to the lateral centerline. And one or more of theelastics adjacent the longitudinally opposing edge to the waist edge maybe curved to extend along the longitudinally opposing edge.

The front shaping elastics 596 may be substantially concentric andspaced apart from each other. In the article 501, a plurality 590 ofback shaping elastics 591 is disposed in the back 525. In the embodimentof FIG. 5A, each of the back shaping elastics 591 is curved with anoverall convex shape with respect to the back waist edge 504 and extendssubstantially laterally across the chassis 521 of the article 501. Theback shaping elastics 591 may be substantially concentric and spacedapart from each other.

FIG. 5B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 502, which includes pluralities of shaping elastics590, 595. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 5B isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1D, and the pluralities of shaping elastics 590, 595are configured in the same way as the like-numbered elements of theembodiment of FIG. 5A, except for differences in type of chassis. In analternate embodiment, the pant type disposable wearable absorbentarticle 502 can be modified to be a belt type pant with a chassisconfigured in the same way as in the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of a front fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 601, which includes pluralities of shapingelastics 690, 695. Each of the general elements of the embodiment ofFIG. 6A is configured in the same way as the like-numbered element ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1A. The view of FIG. 6A illustrates an inside(wearer-facing side) of the article 601 and the chassis 621.

In the article 601, a plurality 695 of front shaping elastics 698 isdisposed in the front 623. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, each of thefront shaping elastics 698 is curved with an overall concave shape withrespect to the front waist edge 609 and extends substantially laterallyacross the chassis 621 of the article 601. The front shaping elastics698 may be substantially concentric and spaced apart from each other. Inthe article 601, a plurality 690 of back shaping elastics 693 isdisposed in the back 625. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, each of the backshaping elastics 693 is curved with an overall concave shape withrespect to the back waist edge 604 and extends substantially laterallyacross the chassis 621 of the article 601. The back shaping elastics 693may be substantially concentric and spaced apart from each other.

FIG. 6B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 602, which includes pluralities of shaping elastics690, 695. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6B isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1D, and the pluralities of shaping elastics 690, 695are configured in the same way as the like-numbered elements of theembodiment of FIG. 6A, except for differences in type of chassis. In analternate embodiment, the pant type disposable wearable absorbentarticle 602 can be modified to be a belt type pant with a chassisconfigured in the same way as in the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a plan view of a front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 701, which includes pluralities of shapingelastics 790, 795. Each of the general elements of the embodiment ofFIG. 7A is configured in the same way as the like-numbered element ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1A. The view of FIG. 7A illustrates an inside(wearer-facing side) of the article 701 and the chassis 721.

In the article 701, a plurality 795 of front shaping elastics 796, 797,and 798 is disposed in the front 723. The front shaping elastics 796 arelongitudinally outboard 718 from the front shaping elastics 797, whichare longitudinally outboard 718 from the front shaping elastics 798. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 7A, each of the front shaping elastics 796 iscurved with an overall convex shape with respect to the front waist edge709 and extends substantially laterally across the chassis 721 of thearticle 701, each of the front shaping elastics 797 are straight andsubstantially parallel with the front waist edge 709 and extendslaterally across the chassis 721 of the article 701, and each of thefront shaping elastics 798 is curved with an overall concave shape withrespect to the front waist edge 709 and extends substantially laterallyacross the chassis 721 of the article 701. The front shaping elastics796 may be substantially concentric and spaced apart from each other.The front shaping elastics 798 may be also substantially concentric andspaced apart from each other.

In the article 701, a plurality 790 of back shaping elastics 791, 792,and 793 is disposed in the back 725. The back shaping elastics 791 arelongitudinally outboard 718 from the back shaping elastics 792, whichare longitudinally outboard 718 from the back shaping elastics 793. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 7A, each of the back shaping elastics 791 iscurved with an overall convex shape with respect to the back waist edge704 and extends substantially laterally across the chassis 721 of thearticle 701, each of the back shaping elastics 792 is straight andsubstantially parallel with the back waist edge 704 and extendslaterally across the chassis 721 of the article 701, and each of theback shaping elastics 793 is curved with an overall concave shape withrespect to the back waist edge 709 and extends substantially laterallyacross the chassis 721 of the article 701. The back shaping elastics 791may be substantially concentric and spaced apart from each other. Theback shaping elastics 793 may be also substantially concentric, andspaced apart from each other.

FIG. 7B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 702, which includes pluralities of shaping elastics790, 795. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 7B isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1D, and the pluralities of shaping elastics 790, 795are configured in the same way as the like-numbered elements of theembodiment of FIG. 7A, except for differences in type of chassis. In analternate embodiment, the pant type disposable wearable absorbentarticle 702 can be modified to be a belt type pant with a chassisconfigured in the same way as in the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a plan view of a front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 801, which includes shaping elastics 890,895. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 8A isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1A. The view of FIG. 8A illustrates an inside(wearer-facing side) of the article 801 and the chassis 821.

In the article 801, a plurality 895 of front shaping elastics 896, 897,and 898 is disposed in the front 823. The front shaping elastics 898 arelongitudinally outboard 818 from the front shaping elastics 897, whichare longitudinally outboard 818 from the front shaping elastics 896. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 8A, each of the front shaping elastics 896 iscurved with an overall convex shape with respect to the front waist edge809 and extends substantially laterally across the chassis 821 of thearticle 801, each of the front shaping elastics 897 is straight andsubstantially parallel with the front waist edge 809 and extendslaterally across the chassis 821 of the article 801, and each of thefront shaping elastics 898 is curved with an overall concave shape withrespect to the front waist edge 809 and extends substantially laterallyacross the chassis 821 of the article 801. The front shaping elastics896 may be substantially concentric and spaced apart from each other.The front shaping elastics 898 may be substantially concentric andspaced apart from each other.

In the article 801, a plurality 890 of back shaping elastics 891, 892,and 893 is disposed in the back 825. The back shaping elastics 893 arelongitudinally outboard 818 from the back shaping elastics 892, whichare longitudinally outboard 818 from the back shaping elastics 891. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 8A, each of the back shaping elastics 891 iscurved with an overall convex shape with respect to the back waist edge804 and extends substantially laterally across the chassis 821 of thearticle 801, each of the back shaping elastics 892 is straight andsubstantially parallel with the back waist edge 809 and extendslaterally across the chassis 821 of the article 801, and each of theback shaping elastics 893 is curved with an overall concave shape withrespect to the back waist edge 804 and extends substantially laterallyacross the chassis 821 of the article 801. The back shaping elastics 891may be substantially concentric and spaced apart from each other. Theback shaping elastics 893 may be substantially concentric and spacedapart from each other.

FIG. 8B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 802, which includes pluralities of shaping elastics890, 895. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 8B isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1D, and the pluralities of shaping elastics 890, 895are configured in the same way as the like-numbered elements of theembodiment of FIG. 8A, except for differences in type of chassis. In analternate embodiment, the pant type disposable wearable absorbentarticle 802 can be modified to be a belt type pant with a chassisconfigured in the same way as in the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

The embodiments of FIGS. 9A through 11B describe various anchoringsystems for use in disposable wearable absorbent articles. Theseanchoring systems can be configured with one or more CAMs, anchoringbands, LDEs, spines, and/or other anchoring pathways, in various ways,as described herein. In FIGS. 9A through 11B, for the purpose ofclarity, some parts of the disposable wearable absorbent articles areillustrated as transparent, to show structures and features, which theoverlying material might otherwise hide.

With regard to anchoring, the present disclosure uses the followingterminology. The term “anchoring system” refers to one or more anchoringpathways, wherein the anchoring system can at least assist in holding adisposable wearable absorbent article in place on a wearer's body, asdescribed herein. The term “anchoring pathway” refers to one or moreanchoring elements, configured as a tension-carrying pathway, whichtransfers a load from the portion of the chassis comprising theabsorbent core to an anchoring location on the body of wearer of thearticle, as described herein.

The term “anchoring elements” refers to one or more separatelyidentifiable structural elements, which form part of an anchoringsystem. Some anchoring elements can be configured to collect loads fromthe disposable wearable absorbent article, as described herein. Forexample, anchoring elements can be joined to the absorbent core and/orabsorbent assembly. Some anchoring elements can be configured totransfer loads in an anchoring system, as described herein. For example,anchoring elements can be configured to carry tension along an anchoringpathway. Anchoring elastics can be anchoring elements. Some anchoringelements can be configured to provide holding forces through contactwith the body of a wearer at one or more anchoring locations, asdescribed herein. The term “anchoring location” refers to a location ona wearer's body, which is capable of supporting a load transferred froman anchoring pathway, as described herein.

The term “anchored” refers to the use of an anchoring system to hold adisposable wearable absorbent article in place on the body of a wearer.When a disposable wearable absorbent article is anchored to a portion ofthe body of a wearer, the anchoring system is configured to at leastreduce and/or prevent relative movement between article and that portionof the body, while the wearer wears the article. A disposable wearableabsorbent article with an anchoring system can be anchored to a body ofa wearer with one or more anchoring elements of the anchoring systemconfigured to directly and/or indirectly (e.g. through other layers ofmaterial) overlie and/or contact one or more of various anchoringlocations on parts of a body of a wearer.

A part of the body with a relatively smaller radius of curvature can, insome embodiments, act as an anchoring location that provides relativelygreater friction forces, since an anchoring element can tend to wraparound such parts more tightly. This is due to the physics of a flexiblematerial that is wrapped around a curved surface and placed undertension. In this scenario, as a tensile force places the flexiblematerial under tension, the flexible material exerts a normal forceperpendicular to and inward on the curved surface. According to thebasic Capstan formula, the normal force is proportional to the tensileforce divided by the radius of the curved surface. Thus, at a giventensile force, as the radius becomes smaller, the normal force becomeslarger.

Also as an example, an anchoring system can be at least partiallyanchored by setting one or more anchoring elements on, around, and/orabove one or more anchoring locations that protrude from the body, thuscreating friction and/or reaction forces. A part of the body with arelatively larger horizontal protrusion can, in some embodiments,provide greater reaction forces, since an anchoring element can tend tohang and/or ride on or above such parts more securely (i.e., there is anupward component to the reaction force from the body that can support aload).

An anchoring pathway can be configured in various forms. An anchoringpathway can be made from any material suitable for carrying tensions inan anchoring system. Part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of ananchoring pathway can include one or more anchoring elements made ofvarious suitable materials (such as a plurality of anchoring elastics).An anchoring pathway can be a unitary, continuous pathway, or can beformed by any number of anchoring elements disposed (in series or inparallel) along a pathway. Part, or parts, or substantially all, or allof an anchoring pathway (and its anchoring elements) can be straight,curved, angled, segmented, or other shapes, or combinations of any ofthese shapes. In some embodiments, an anchoring pathway can include oneor more connecting elements, such as belts, seams, and/or fasteners.

An anchoring element can be of any suitable size, shape, andconfiguration. The size and/or shape of an anchoring element can besubstantially or completely uniform over one or more parts of theanchoring element or over the entire length of the anchoring element, orcan vary over the length of the anchoring element.

In various embodiments, anchoring elastics can be used as anchoringelements. Anchoring elastics can be formed from various materials, suchas the materials described herein for shaping elastics. Anchoringelastics can have a decitex ranging from 250 to 2500, or any integervalue for any decitex value in this range, or any range formed by any ofthese integer values.

Part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of any anchoring elementcan be separate from, and/or structurally associated with, and/or joinedto, and/or attached to, and/or durably attached to, and/or refastenablyattached to, and/or embedded in, and/or integral with one or more otherelements (such as an outer cover and/or a waist cover and/or anabsorbent core) of a disposable wearable absorbent article. As usedherein, the term “joined” refers to configurations wherein an element isdirectly secured to another element and to configurations wherein anelement is indirectly secured to another element by connecting theelement to one or more intermediate members, which are, in turnconnected to the other element.

When an anchoring pathway is formed by one or more anchoring elementsembedded in or integral with one or more other elements, the anchoringpathway forms a distinct and recognizable anchoring pathway within thatstructure. For example, when anchoring elements that are integral withan outer cover forms an anchoring pathway, the anchoring elements canform an anchoring pathway with a substantially higher modulus ofelasticity than areas of the outer cover surrounding the pathway.

Anchoring pathways disposed on surfaces within a disposable wearableabsorbent article are intended to align with anatomical pathways definedon the external surfaces of a body of a wearer of the disposablewearable absorbent article in which the anchoring system is included.The shapes of the anatomical surfaces can affect the shapes of theanchoring pathways. The shapes of the anchoring pathways can, in turn,affect configurations of anchoring elements.

One kind of anchoring pathway is an anchoring band. An anchoring bandcan be configured to transfer tensile forces from one end to the otherand to have sufficient strength to carry such tension in an anchoringsystem. In various embodiments, an anchoring band can at least partiallyencircle a lower torso of the body of the wearer, for example in theback portion of the article.

Another kind of anchoring pathway is a load distribution element (LDE).An LDE is a type of anchoring pathway that transfers loads in ananchoring system of a disposable wearable absorbent article. An LDE canreceive at least some collected loads by being joined to one or moreother elements of the disposable wearable absorbent article, such as anabsorbent core. Also, an LDE can transfer such loads to one or moreanchoring locations or anchoring pathways, such as a circumferentialanchoring member (CAM) or anchoring band. In various embodiments, LDEscan be configured to transfer part, or parts, or substantially all, orall of loads from an absorbent core absorbent assembly to other portionsof a disposable wearable absorbent article, for example the belt or sidepanels, waist elastics or leg elastics of the absorbent article.

Yet another kind of anchoring pathway is a spine. A spine is a type ofanchoring band that helps support a load in the absorbent core in ananchoring system of a disposable wearable absorbent article. A spine isoriented either substantially or completely laterally or substantiallyor completely longitudinally. A substantial portion of a spine passesthrough an area of an absorbent core or absorbent assembly of adisposable wearable absorbent article. In some embodiments,substantially all or all of a spine can be contained within an area ofan absorbent core.

A CAM is another kind of anchoring pathway that generally follows acurved surface within a disposable wearable absorbent article or on abody of a wearer. A CAM at least partially encircles a lower torso ofthe body of the wearer. In some embodiments, a CAM can substantially orcompletely encircle the lower torso of the body of the wearer. While aCAM may follow a curved pathway while a wearer is wearing the article,the CAM may be substantially or completely linear when the article islaid out flat.

Further, portions of the anchoring systems disclosed herein may beformed from the same elastics. For example, portions of the CAMs andLDEs may be formed from the same elastic. In other words, an elastic canbe fed along the waist from the edge inward towards the longitudinalcenterline and then diverted inward toward the lateral centerline toform one of the LDEs and then diverted outwardly towards the waist edgeand then diverted again towards the side edge of the belt.

In FIGS. 9A through 11B, for ease of illustration, each of the anchoringpathways is shown as a unitary structure. However, each of theseanchoring pathways may formed by a plurality of anchoring elements,which are anchoring elastics. In various alternate embodiments, any ofthese anchoring pathways can be configured in any manner describedherein. Each of these anchoring systems of FIGS. 9A through 11B can beconfigured in a disposable wearable absorbent article to anchor anabsorbent article and/or absorbent core to a wearer. In variousembodiments, each of these anchoring systems can be configured in adisposable wearable absorbent article to carry part, or parts, orsubstantially all, or all of the loads from the absorbent core andexudates introduced into the absorbent core by the wearer of thearticle.

FIG. 9A illustrates a plan view of a front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 901, which includes an anchoring system 930.Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 9A is configuredin the same way as the like-numbered element of the embodiment of FIG.1E. The view of FIG. 9A illustrates an inside (wearer-facing side) ofthe article 901 and the chassis 921.

The anchoring system 930 includes a back CAM 931 disposed in the back925, back LDEs 933 disposed in the back 925, a front CAM 941 disposed inthe front 923, front LDEs 943 disposed in the front 923, and a spine935, 945. The spine 935, 945 includes a back portion of the spine 935disposed in the back 925 and a front portion of the spine 945 disposedin the front 923. It should be noted that the LDEs 933 might be anextension of the CAM 931. In other words a portion of the CAM 931 maycomprise elastic support elements that are diverted from the CAM 931inward along the LDE 933 then outward along the opposing LDE 933 andfinally along the CAM 931 on the opposing side of the product.

The back CAM 931 is disposed longitudinally inboard to and offset fromthe back waist edge 904. The back CAM 931 is also disposedlongitudinally inboard to and offset from the longitudinally outboardback edge of the absorbent core 927. The back CAM 931 may be joined toone fastener 954 and extends laterally from that one fastener 954,laterally through a first portion of the back 925, laterally straightacross, underlying, and joined to a back portion of the absorbent core927, laterally through a second portion of the back 925, and extendslaterally to the other fastener 954, joining to that other fastener 954.The back CAM 931 can be configured within the article 901 in any mannerdescribed herein. The back CAM 931 is considered a CAM because, when awearer wears the article 901, the back CAM 931 at least partiallyencircles the wearer.

In a first alternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all,or all of the back CAM 931 could be disposed proximate to thelongitudinally outboard back end of the absorbent core 927. In a secondalternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe back CAM 931 could be disposed longitudinally outboard from thelongitudinally outboard back end of the absorbent core 927. In a thirdalternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe back CAM 931 could be disposed proximate to the back waist edge 904.In a fourth alternate embodiment, part or parts of the back CAM 931could follow one or more alternate pathways to either or both of theside ears. In a fifth alternate embodiment, part or parts of the backCAM 931 could connect to one or more additional anchoring pathways, asdescribed herein. In a sixth alternate embodiment, the back CAM 931 maynot join to one or both of the fasteners 954. In a seventh alternateembodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of the back CAM931 may extend through or overlie the absorbent core 927. In an eighthalternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe back CAM 931 may not be joined to the absorbent core 927. In any ofthese alternate embodiments, part, or parts, or substantially all, orall of the back CAM 931 could be omitted. Also, in any of thesealternate embodiments, one or more anchoring bands could be used alongpart, or parts, or substantially all, or the entire pathway of the backCAM 931. Further, any of these alternate embodiments could be combinedin whole or in part to create additional alternate embodiments.

There are two back LDEs 933, one on each side of the longitudinalcenterline 913. For the back LDE 933 to the right of the longitudinalcenterline, one end of the back LDE 933 connects to the back portion ofthe spine 935 at a location longitudinally offset from the lateralcenterline 917. A portion of that back LDE 933 may underlay a portion ofthe absorbent core 927, and may be joined to that portion. That back LDE933 extends straight from the back portion of the spine 935, laterallyand longitudinally outward, and connects to the back CAM 931. The firstback LDE 933 is considered an LDE because, when the article 901 is wornby a wearer, the first back LDE 933 is configured to transfer at leastpart of the load from the absorbent core 927 to the back CAM 931. Theback LDE 933 on the left is configured in the same way, though mirroredby the longitudinal centerline 913. Each back LDE 933 can be configuredwithin the article 901 in any manner described herein, including any ofthe alternative embodiments.

In a first alternate embodiment, a back LDE 933 could connect to theback portion of the spine 935 at a location at or proximate to thelateral centerline 917. In a second alternate embodiment, a back LDE 933may not connect to the back portion of the spine 935, but may end at alocation offset from the longitudinal centerline 913, within the area ofthe back portion of the absorbent core 927. In a third alternate, a backLDE 933 could connect to the back CAM 931 at a location at or proximateto the longitudinal centerline 913. In a fourth alternate, a back LDE933 could connect to the back CAM 931 proximate to the fastener 954. Ina fifth alternate embodiment, part or parts of a back LDE 933 couldfollow one or more alternate pathways. In a sixth alternate embodiment,part or parts of a back LDE 933 could connect to one or more additionalanchoring pathways, as described herein. In a seventh alternateembodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of a back LDE933 may extend through or overlie the absorbent core 927. In an eighthalternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of aback CAM 933 may not be joined to the absorbent core 927. In any ofthese alternate embodiments, part, or parts, or substantially all, orall of either or both back LDEs 933 could be omitted. Also, in any ofthese alternate embodiments, one or more anchoring bands could be usedalong part, or parts, or substantially all, or the entire pathway of aback LDE 933. Further, any of these alternate embodiments could becombined in whole or in part to create additional alternate embodiments.

The front CAM 941 is disposed longitudinally inboard to and offset fromthe front waist edge 909 of the chassis 921. The front CAM 941 is alsodisposed longitudinally inboard to and offset from the longitudinallyoutboard front edge of the absorbent core 927. The front CAM 941 beginsin one side, extends laterally from one longitudinal side edge of thechassis 921, laterally through a first portion of the front 923,laterally across, underlying, and joined to a front portion of theabsorbent core 927, laterally through a second portion of the front 923,and ends in another side at another longitudinal side edge of thechassis 921. The front CAM 941 can be configured within the article 901in any manner described herein. The front CAM 941 is considered a CAMbecause, when a wearer wears the article 901, the front CAM 941 at leastpartially encircles the wearer. When the article 901 is worn by awearer, the front CAM 941 and the back CAM 931, together, can beconsidered a single CAM that completely encircles the wearer.

In a first alternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all,or all of the front CAM 941 could be disposed proximate to thelongitudinally outboard front end of the absorbent core 927. In a secondalternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe front CAM 941 could be disposed longitudinally outboard from thelongitudinally outboard front end of the absorbent core 927. In a thirdalternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe front CAM 941 could be disposed proximate to the front waist edge909. In a fourth alternate embodiment, part or parts of the front CAM941 could follow one or more alternate pathways proximate to either orboth of the longitudinal sides, similar to the embodiments described forthe back CAM 931. In a fifth alternate embodiment, part or parts of thefront CAM 941 could connect to one or more additional anchoringpathways, as described herein. In a sixth alternate embodiment, part, orparts, or substantially all, or all of the front CAM 941 may extendthrough or overlie the absorbent core 927. In a seventh alternateembodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of the frontCAM 941 may not be joined to the absorbent core 927. In any of thesealternate embodiments, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe front CAM 941 could be omitted. Also, in any of these alternateembodiments, one or more anchoring bands could be used along part, orparts, or substantially all, or the entire pathway of the front CAM 941.Further, any of these alternate embodiments could be combined in wholeor in part to create additional alternate embodiments.

There are two front LDEs 943, one on each side of the longitudinalcenterline 913. The front LDEs 943 are configured in the same way as theback LDEs 933, though mirrored by the lateral centerline 917, and exceptfor the differences between a back and a front of a front fastenabledisposable wearable absorbent article. Each front LDE 943 can beconfigured within the article 901 in any manner described herein,including any of the alternative embodiments.

The back portion of the spine 935 connects to the back LDEs 933 and tothe front portion of the spine 945. The back portion of the spine 935 isunderlying and joined to a back portion of the absorbent core 927. Thefront portion of the spine 945 connects to the back portion of the spine935 and to the front LDEs 943. The front portion of the spine 945 isunderlying and joined to a front portion of the absorbent core 927. Thespine 935, 945 is laterally centered on the article 901. The spine 935,945 can be configured within the article 901 in any manner describedherein.

In a first alternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all,or all of the back portion of the spine 935 and/or part, or parts, orsubstantially all, or all of the front portion of the spine 945 could bedisposed offset from the longitudinal centerline 913 and/or proximate toa laterally outboard side of the absorbent core 927. In a secondalternate embodiment, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe back portion of the spine 935 and/or part, or parts, orsubstantially all, or all of the front portion of the spine 945 could bedisposed outside of the area of the absorbent core 927. In a thirdalternate embodiment, part or parts of the back portion of the spine 935could connect to either or both of the back LDEs 933 at one or moreadditional and/or alternate locations, and/or part or parts of the frontportion of the spine 945 could connect to either or both of the frontLDEs 943 at one or more additional and/or alternate locations. In afourth alternate embodiment, part or parts of the back portion of thespine 935 and/or part or parts of the front portion of the spine 945could connect to one or more additional anchoring pathways, as describedherein. In a fifth alternate embodiment, the article 901 could includetwo or more spines, with each spine configured in any way describedherein. In a sixth alternate embodiment, part, or parts, orsubstantially all, or all of the back portion of the spine 935 and/orpart, or parts, or substantially all, or all of the front portion of thespine 945 may not be joined to the absorbent core 927. In any of thesealternate embodiments, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all ofthe pathway of the back portion of the spine 935 and/or part, or parts,or substantially all, or all of the pathway of the front portion of thespine 945 could be omitted. In any of these alternate embodiments, oneor more anchoring bands could be used along part, or parts, orsubstantially all, or all of the pathway of the back portion of thespine 935 and/or the front portion of the spine 945. Further, any ofthese alternate embodiments could be combined in whole or in part tocreate additional alternate embodiments.

Additionally, any of the embodiments of the front 923 of the article 901could be combined with any of the embodiments of a back of any of thefront/side fastenable disposable wearable absorbent articles, asdisclosed herein or as known in the art (including a back without ananchoring system), to create further alternate embodiments. Further, anyof the embodiments of the back 925 of the article 901 could be combinedwith any of the embodiments of a front of any of the front/sidefastenable disposable wearable absorbent articles, as disclosed hereinor as known in the art (including a front without an anchoring system),to create further alternate embodiments.

FIG. 9B illustrates a plan view of a pant type disposable wearableabsorbent article 902, which includes an anchoring system 930. The viewof FIG. 9B illustrates an inside (wearer-facing side) of the article 902and the chassis 922.

Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 9B is configuredin the same way as the like-numbered element of the embodiment of FIG.1D, and the elements of the anchoring system 930 are configured in thesame way as the like-numbered elements of the embodiment of FIG. 9A,except for differences in type of chassis. In an alternate embodiment,the pant type disposable wearable absorbent article 902 can be modifiedto be a belt type pant with a chassis configured in the same way as inthe embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 10A illustrates a plan view of a front/side fastenable disposablewearable absorbent article 1001, which includes an anchoring system1030. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 10A isconfigured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1E. The view of FIG. 10A illustrates an inside(wearer-facing side) of the article 1001 and the chassis 1021.

The anchoring system 1030 does not include an element corresponding tothe CAM 930 of FIG. 9A. Each of the back LDEs 1033 is not straight, butcurved. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the back LDEs 1033 are curved tobe convex, with respect to the back waist edge 1004, however in variousembodiments, either or both of the back LDEs can be curved to beconcave, with respect to the back waist edge 1004. Also, each of theback LDEs 1033 extends from the absorbent core 1027 to a portion of thelongitudinal edge in a side ear. Each of the front LDEs 1043 is notstraight, but curved. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the front LDEs 1043are curved to be convex, with respect to the front waist edge 1009,however in various embodiments, either or both of the front LDEs can becurved to be concave, with respect to the front waist edge 1009. Also,each of the front LDEs 1043 extends from the absorbent core 1027 to aportion of the longitudinal edge in a side ear. The back LDEs 1033 andthe front LDEs 1043 can be configured in any manner described herein,including any of the alternate embodiments for LDEs described inconnection with FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10B illustrates a plan view of an inside of a pant type disposablewearable absorbent article 1002, which includes an anchoring system1030. The view of FIG. 10B illustrates an inside (wearer-facing side) ofthe article 1002 and the chassis 1022.

Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 10B is configuredin the same way as the like-numbered element of the embodiment of FIG.1D, and the elements of the anchoring system 1030 are configured in thesame way as the like-numbered elements of the embodiment of FIG. 10A,except for differences in type of chassis. In an alternate embodiment,the pant type disposable wearable absorbent article 1002 can be modifiedto be a belt type pant with a chassis configured in the same way as inthe embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 11A illustrates a plan view of an inside of a front/side fastenabledisposable wearable absorbent article 1101, which includes an anchoringsystem 1130. Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 11Ais configured in the same way as the like-numbered element of theembodiment of FIG. 1E. The view of FIG. 11A illustrates an inside(wearer-facing side) of the article 1101 and the chassis.

The anchoring system 1130 is does not include elements corresponding tothe LDEs 933 and 943 of FIG. 9A. The anchoring system 1130 does includea front CAM 1131 and a back CAM 1161, each of which can be configured inany manner described herein for a CAM, including any of the alternateembodiments for CAMs described in connection with FIG. 9A.

FIG. 11B illustrates a plan view of an inside of a pant type disposablewearable absorbent article 1102, which includes an anchoring system1130. The view of FIG. 11B illustrates an inside (wearer-facing side) ofthe article 1102 and the chassis.

Each of the general elements of the embodiment of FIG. 11B is configuredin the same way as the like-numbered element of the embodiment of FIG.1D, and the elements of the anchoring system 1130 are configured in thesame way as the like-numbered elements of the embodiment of FIG. 11A,except for differences in type of chassis. In an alternate embodiment,the pant type disposable wearable absorbent article 1102 can be modifiedto be a belt type pant with a chassis configured in the same way as inthe embodiment of FIG. 1A.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearableabsorbent articles with different elastic structures that work welltogether. The different elastic structures are separated into multiplelayers. For example, a disposable wearable absorbent article can includeshaping elastics and anchoring elastics, which are separated from eachother by a layer of material. Since the shaping elastics are separatedfrom the anchoring elastics, their functions do not conflict. Theshaping elastics can at least assist in providing conforming fit anddistributing contact forces over the wearer's skin while the anchoringelastics can at least assist in holding the article in place on thewearer. As a result, disposable wearable absorbent articles of thepresent disclosure can feel comfortable, look attractive, and performwell while wearers wear them.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or relatedpatent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shouldgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article having a center chassis, thecenter chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core,the absorbent article comprising: a front waist region and a front waistedge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; an inner belt portiondisposed in one or both of the front waist region and back waist region;an outer belt portion disposed in one or both of the front waist regionand back waist region; a first elastic disposed in the inner beltportion; and a second elastic disposed in the outer belt portion;wherein the first elastic is formed from one or more of an elasticnon-woven, elastic strands, elastic films and elastic ribbons; whereinthe second elastic is formed from one or more of an elastic non-woven,elastic strands, elastic films and elastic ribbons; wherein at least aportion of the inner belt portion and the outer belt portion overlap;wherein the first elastic is separated from the second elastic by alayer of material; wherein one or both of the inner belt portion andouter belt portion comprise a layer selected from a group consisting ofa nonwoven, a film, and a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film;and wherein a portion of the inner belt portion overlaps a portion ofthe absorbent core.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thefirst elastic and the second elastic are made from different elasticmaterials.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein one or both ofthe inner belt portion and outer belt portion comprise elastic disposedin an arcuate configuration.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the absorbent article comprises a second inner belt portion, andthe second inner belt portion is disposed inwardly of the outer beltportion.
 5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the inner beltportion and the outer belt portion are formed in part by at least onecommon layer.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the innerbelt portion and the outer belt portion are separate and distinctcomponents.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe layers forming the outer belt potion is continuous from the frontwaist region to the back waist region.
 8. The absorbent article of claim1, wherein at least one of the layers forming the outer belt potion iscontinuous from the front waist edge to the back waist edge.
 9. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the layers formingthe inner belt potion is continuous from the front waist region to theback waist region.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the layers forming the inner belt potion is continuous fromthe front waist edge to the back waist edge.
 11. An absorbent articlehaving a center chassis, the center chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the absorbent article comprising: a front waist region and afront waist edge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; the centerchassis comprising a first end edge disposed in the front waist regionand a second end edge disposed in the back waist region; an inner beltportion disposed on one or both of the front waist region and back waistregion; the inner belt portion having a laterally extending distal andproximal edges; an outer belt portion disposed on one or both of thefront waist region and back waist region; a first elastic disposed inthe inner belt portion; and a second elastic disposed in the outer beltportion; wherein the first elastic is formed from one or more elasticnon-wovens, elastic strands, elastic films and elastic ribbons; whereinthe second elastic is formed from one or more elastic non-wovens,elastic strands, elastic films and elastic ribbons; wherein the innerbelt portion has a first width extending in the longitudinal directionof the absorbent article, and the outer belt portion has a second widthextending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article;wherein one or both of the inner belt portion and outer belt portioncomprise a layer selected from a group consisting of a nonwoven, a film,and a laminate that includes a nonwoven and a film; wherein theabsorbent article is disposable and wearable and wherein at least aportion of the inner belt portion overlaps at least a portion of theouter belt portion; wherein the first elastic is separated from thesecond elastic by a layer of material; wherein one or both of the innerbelt portion and outer belt portion form a portion of at least one ofthe front waist edge and back waist edge; and wherein the first width isdifferent from the second width; and wherein a portion of the inner beltand/or a portion of the outer belt overlaps a portion of the absorbentcore.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein one or both of theinner belt portion and outer belt portion comprise elastic disposed inan arcuate configuration.
 13. The absorbent article of claim 11, whereinthe inner belt portion and the outer belt portion are formed in part byat least one common layer.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 11,wherein the inner belt portion and the outer belt portion are separateand distinct components.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 11, whereinat least one of the layers forming the outer belt potion is continuousfrom the front waist region to the back waist region.
 16. The absorbentarticle of claim 11, wherein at least one of the layers forming theouter belt potion is continuous from the front waist edge to the backwaist edge.
 17. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein at least oneof the layers forming the inner belt potion is continuous from the frontwaist region to the back waist region.
 18. The absorbent article ofclaim 11, wherein at least one of the layers forming the inner beltpotion is continuous from the front waist edge to the back waist edge.19. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein the distal edge of innerbelt portion is disposed longitudinally inward of the distal edge of theouter belt portion.
 20. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein thedistal edge of inner belt portion is disposed longitudinally inward ofthe respective end edge of the center chassis.